Elul Mitzvah Challenge

More recently, we have seen the viral video challenge used in a positive way through theALS Ice Bucket Challenge. People have been challenged to pour a bucket of ice water over their head or donate $100 to the ALS Association. While there have been many articles written about the positives and negatives of this campaign, one thing is clear: It has led to a significant rise in the amount of money raised for ALS research.

Now it is time for us to bring this into a Jewish context so that onemitzvahcan really lead to another. Traditionally, the month of Elul is a time when we prepare ourselves for the impendingHigh Holidays. It is a time for spiritual reflection and an opportunity to get our “accounts” in order before we stand before God in judgment betweenRosh HaShanahandYom Kippur. With this in mind, our community created the Elul Mitzvah Challenge as an opportunity formitzvotto go viral.

Turning the World with a Smile

Turning the world with a smile

It is kind of ironic that my wife said it while I was in a moment of frustration over trying to write this column about Judaism and humor. She said, “the positive attitude in my classroom is really infectious.” My wife teaches third graders. From the beginning of the year she worked really hard at the setting a can do attitude and creating an environment filled with the joy of learning for her class. Now, as the year comes to an end, she has started to hear the students generating the good will. Individually, students offer enthusiasm and excitement for the lessons and projects. Then, others catch on and amplify the positive.